Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rebel Wilson

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rebel Wilson made an impact.

Rebel Wilson is an Australian actress, comedian, and producer. She began her career in Australian television with roles in comedy series like *Pizza* and *The Wedge*. Wilson also wrote, produced, and starred in *Bogan Pride*. She gained international recognition after moving to the United States and appearing in films such as *Bridesmaids* and *A Few Best Men*.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1988: 'The Hustle' Remake

In 2019, Rebel Wilson starred alongside Anne Hathaway in The Hustle, a female-centred remake of the 1988 comedy film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

2002: Created 'The Westie Monologues'

In 2002, Rebel Wilson first came to the public's attention with her stage musical 'The Westie Monologues', which she wrote, starred in and produced in Sydney.

2003: Appeared in 'Pizza'

In 2003, Rebel Wilson began her television career by appearing in the SBS comedy series 'Pizza'. This marked an early stage in her acting career.

2003: Moved to New York after winning scholarship

In 2003, Rebel Wilson moved to New York after winning the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) International scholarship, which was funded by Nicole Kidman. While in New York, Wilson trained with The Second City.

2004: Australian Idol Telstra Advertisements

From 2004 to 2005, Rebel Wilson played an Australian Idol mad schoolgirl in a series of Telstra advertisements shown during Australian Idol.

2005: Australian Idol Telstra Advertisements

From 2004 to 2005, Rebel Wilson played an Australian Idol mad schoolgirl in a series of Telstra advertisements shown during Australian Idol.

2006: Appeared in 'The Wedge'

In 2006, Rebel Wilson appeared in the sketch comedy show 'The Wedge'. This added to her early television work in Australia.

2007: Appeared in 'The Wedge'

In 2007, Rebel Wilson appeared in the sketch comedy show 'The Wedge'. This added to her early television work in Australia.

2007: Role in 'Ghost Rider'

In 2007, Rebel Wilson had roles in the feature film 'Ghost Rider'.

2008: Created and Starred in 'Bogan Pride'

In 2008, Rebel Wilson created, wrote, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series 'Bogan Pride' on SBS One and also starred in the improvisational Nine Network series 'Monster House'.

2008: Created 'Bogan Pride'

In 2008, Rebel Wilson wrote, produced, and starred in the musical comedy series 'Bogan Pride'. This was a significant step in her career, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

January 2010: Moved to the United States

In January 2010, Rebel Wilson moved to the United States and signed with William Morris Endeavor.

July 2011: Jenny Craig Spokesperson

In July 2011, Rebel Wilson became a spokesperson for the weight loss company Jenny Craig in Australia.

August 2011: Replaced Casey Wilson in 'Bachelorette'

On August 19, 2011, Rebel Wilson replaced Casey Wilson in 'Bachelorette'.

2011: Appeared in 'Bridesmaids' and 'A Few Best Men'

In 2011, Rebel Wilson appeared in the comedy films 'Bridesmaids' and 'A Few Best Men' shortly after moving to the United States. These roles marked her entry into the American film industry.

2011: Filmed 'A Few Best Men' and 'Small Apartments'

In early 2011, Rebel Wilson filmed 'A Few Best Men' at Fox Studios Australia. She also filmed a role in 'Small Apartments'. Wilson was named one of Variety magazine's "Top Ten Comics to Watch for 2011".

January 2012: Announced 'Super Fun Night'

In January 2012, Rebel Wilson was announced to be writing and starring in 'Super Fun Night', a comedy about three friends having fun on Friday nights. CBS picked up the pilot with Conan O'Brien as an executive producer.

2012: Appeared in Multiple Films and 'Pitch Perfect'

In 2012, Rebel Wilson appeared in the comedy films 'What to Expect When You're Expecting', 'Struck by Lightning', and 'Bachelorette'. She also starred in 'Pitch Perfect', gaining wider recognition.

2012: Role in 'What to Expect When You're Expecting'

In 2012, Rebel Wilson had a role in the ensemble comedy 'What to Expect When You're Expecting', as Janice, and co-starred in the indie film 'Struck By Lightning'.

2012: Voiced Character in 'Ice Age: Continental Drift' and Starred in 'Pitch Perfect'

In 2012, Rebel Wilson voiced a character in 'Ice Age: Continental Drift' and played Fat Amy in 'Pitch Perfect'. For the latter role, she received critical acclaim and earned various award nominations.

February 2013: End of Jenny Craig Agreement

In February 2013, Rebel Wilson confirmed that she ended her agreement with Jenny Craig the previous year.

April 2013: Hosted MTV Movie Awards

On April 14, 2013, Rebel Wilson hosted the 2013 MTV Movie Awards.

October 2013: 'Super Fun Night' Broadcasted

In October 2013, 'Super Fun Night' began broadcasting on ABC after being picked up by the network. The series was later cancelled after one season.

2013: Created Plus-Size T-Shirt Collection

In 2013, Rebel Wilson created a plus-size T-shirt collection named after her "Fat Mandi" character in The Wedge featuring images of donuts and cupcakes.

2013: Use of Physicality for Comedy

In 2013, Rebel Wilson stated she would make fat jokes as long as she looked a certain way, emphasizing how comedians use their physicality. She acknowledged that her agency signed her quickly due to her unique appearance.

2013: Wrote and starred in 'Super Fun Night'

In 2013, Rebel Wilson wrote and starred in 'Super Fun Night', a television sitcom that aired for one season on ABC.

March 2014: Voice of Dish Network's Hopper DVR Kangaroo

In March 2014, Rebel Wilson became the voice of the animated kangaroo for Dish Network's Hopper DVR marketing campaign.

September 2015: Replaced in 'Kung Fu Panda 3'

In September 2015, Rebel Wilson was replaced by Kate Hudson in the voice cast for 'Kung Fu Panda 3'.

February 2016: Released in 'How to Be Single' and Presented at BAFTAs

In February 2016, Rebel Wilson appeared in the ensemble comedy 'How to Be Single' and presented the nominations for the Best Supporting Actor category at the 69th British Academy Film Awards.

June 2016: Played Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid'

In June 2016, Rebel Wilson appeared as Ursula in an all-star concert version of 'The Little Mermaid' at the Hollywood Bowl on 3, 4 and 6 June.

August 2016: West End Debut in 'Guys and Dolls'

In August 2016, Rebel Wilson made her West End debut in the musical 'Guys and Dolls' as Miss Adelaide from 28 June to 21 August. She received positive reviews.

2016: Professional Setbacks

Following the media scrutiny in May 2015, Rebel Wilson was allegedly "sacked from two DreamWorks animations" and "missed out on movie roles during 2015 and 2016".

2016: Advantage of Size in Comedy

In 2016, Rebel Wilson commented that larger women tend to do better in comedy because they are easier to laugh at, noting she used this to her advantage.

June 2017: Charitable Intentions

In June 2017, Rebel Wilson tweeted her intention to donate any money received from the defamation case to charity, scholarships, or the Australian film industry.

2017: Starred in 'Pitch Perfect' film series

In 2017, Rebel Wilson continued her role in the 'Pitch Perfect' film series (2012-2017).

2017: Launched Plus-Sized Clothing Range

In 2017, Rebel Wilson launched a plus-sized clothing range called Rebel Wilson x Angels on the heels of a collaboration with Torrid.

2017: Reprised Role in 'Pitch Perfect 3'

In 2017, Rebel Wilson reprised her role in 'Pitch Perfect 3', continuing her involvement in the successful film series.

May 2018: Played LeFou in 'Beauty and the Beast'

In May 2018, Rebel Wilson played LeFou in a production of 'Beauty and the Beast: Live in Concert' at the Hollywood Bowl on 25–26 May. She also appeared on the cover of Vogue Australia for the first time.